Bethany Seminary receives $10M in Lilly funding

A Richmond institution has received a substantial funding boost from the Lilly Endowment. Bethany Theological Seminary received a $10 million grant to support a new initiative for enrolling graduate students pursuing theological studies and careers in ministry. 

The new project, entitled “Preparing the Way: Expanding Vocational Paths for Undergraduate Students,” readies Bethany to form partnerships with several undergraduate colleges and universities affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Within the program, Bethany created UP@Bethany, allowing college juniors and seniors to take Bethany courses early. The program was piloted with select students in preparation for the grant. One Manchester junior, Josh Adler, was delighted about his experience. 

“It’s been very interesting to be in a class with students who are older than me, including some who are actively working as pastors,” Adler said in the news release. “They all have a stronger background in theology than I have, so listening to their conversations is like sitting in on a jazz session with someone like Theolonius Monk: I do a lot more listening than playing. What I do contribute to the conversation are connections from my Manchester education: bringing to the table ideas from Native American philosophers and theologians I’m studying in my Indigenous philosophy course.” Adler is a triple major in philosophy, peace studies and music performance. 

In addition to the early classes, the grant also continues to support Bethany’s 30-year relationship with the Earlham School of Religion. It also creates an endowed fund to support Bethany’s future goals and success.

“We are thrilled and humbled to receive this transformational grant from the Lilly Endowment,” Rev. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, said in the news release. “Thanks to Lilly’s generous support, we will create new pathways to careers in ministry for exceptional students attending Brethren colleges and universities. The grant will also allow us to provide students at these institutions an introduction to graduate study and access to advanced courses in theology and Biblical studies that are not typically available to undergraduates.”

The grant provides $5 million to start the program, paired with a required $3 million from Bethany and other donors. The Lilly Endowment will then match that amount with another $5 million. 

Currently, Bethany enrolls 115 students in five master’s degree programs and nine graduate certificates. Most students study remotely as all courses are accessible via Zoom. Students span across North America, in addition to a strong and growing presence in Nigeria.